I'm excited...
I feel butterflies in my stomach just by seeing the events outside the palace grounds. There are triangular flag tapes all over, and it's raining flowers too. Of course, I'm not talking about literal rain of flowers. I don't really know how did all those designs but it's amazing. Just seeing it already makes me excited about this festival. What's even more amazing is that they're holding a festival just for my birthday, and it makes me all fuzzy inside.
"Ali? How are you? Are you ready?" Oh, Brother Heli is here. I don't see my other brothers, hmph now that's a change.
"Yuuup! I'm so so so excited right now, brother Heli!" I run towards him and despite telling me to slow down, I still throw myself at him. He chuckled.
"Really...you're always so energetic, Ali," Brother Heli carried me right away when I spread my arms in front of him. For two years that I've been living with my new family. I noticed a lot of changes between my brothers' personality.
Brother Heli has start to smile more, although he's still cold to the knights under his wing, but he's become bearable for the people of Ciera now. Brother Aeli, well...nothing changed, I think? He's still the calm and soft person when it comes to everyone. As for Brother Dae, he has become a bit considerate to others now than before.
"Themis! Aren't you going with us today?" I asked. She smiled at me and titl her head before answering my question.
"I'm sorry, Princess. I'm going to celebrate with my family today..." I gasped and spread my hands in front of my mouth as if I was surprised by her answer.
"Wow ~ really? I'm glad to know that, Themis! Enjoy your day with your family!" I said cheerfully. She chuckled and nod her head at me. I haven't seen Themis' family even once before. Hmm...
Come to think of it. I was introduced as a princess a long time ago but I haven't really got out from the palace grounds that much. And it's not like it slip my mind as well, because I'm busy trying to figure out how I could be of help to Asher to dispel this curse from my family, and I've been practicing magic too.
"Thank you, Princess," She bowed to us and I waved my hand to her as Brother Heli starts walking towards the door.
I'm so excited that I feel like my heart is going to explode! I can't wait to celebrate this festival with my brothers and the people of Ciera!
Hah ~
Ever since I came to this world, I realized that my mind is also going back to being a child. Probably because I'm being spoiled by all the people that's surrounding me. I shouldn't get used to it because there might be conflicts once Big Sis Amara appears, but I can't prevent myself either.
"Brother Heli..." I wrap my arms around brother Heli and lean my chin on my arm.
"Hmm? What's that tone of voice, Ali? Are you alright?" He asked. I closed my eyes.
"What if we get another sister, would Brother Heli still love me?" I really don't know why it slipped my mouth. Is it because of being a kid again?
"Huh...what are you saying, Ali? That's impossible," Brother Heli chuckled as he caress my back. But, I want to hear his answer.
"Yes..." I mumbled. He don't know anything about the future, and I can't just give him hints about it. He might get suspicious of me if I push this question.
"I'm sure Dad has no plan on remarrying, so having another sister is impossible," He said, giving me a peck on my cheek. I did not answer his question and just pretend that I'm napping on his arm.
"And if ever someone..."
He did not finish his word, but it felt like he became tensed over something. I wonder what he's thinking?
---
"Woaaah...this is so beautiful!" I'm so excited! I want to run around the place to enjoy this festival, but I'm very sure that the my Dad and brothers won't let me do that alone. I wonder where Asher is? I can go anywhere with him around because Dad trusts him so much after he cured me two years ago.
"Did you like it, Ali?" Brother Aeli asked, stretching his hand to me. I nod my head repeatedly as I held his hand.
We just got off the carriage and now Brother Aeli and Brother Dae are securing me by holding both hands. The people are cheering and they are all chanting our names. After two years, I got used to the people's reaction everytime they see us. But, a lot of things changed, I think? Unlike before when the people fear this family, most of them now believes that they are 'tolerable' and 'bearable'. Some of them, even the nobles, thanked me and sees me as their savior.
"Yep! I really love it! I can already see how fun it would be!" I answered cheerfully. I heard brother Dae chuckling.
"It's really obvious how excited Ali is," Of course, I am excited. I've always been ever since last week!
Oh that's right. Since Dad presented me the Antares Palace I've moved there and now living in that Palace again. Mom's images were still there and Themis told me that Daddy preserved those photos using preservation magic to make sure it's still as beautiful as it was when it was first taken. Dad really loves Mom, and I want to make sure that Dad will always remember Mom everytime we spend our time together.
"Before we enjoy the festival, we should greet everyone first. Are you all ready?" Dad asked, spreading his arms in front of me. Brother Aeli and Brother Dae let go of my hands, and I throw myself to Dad. He carried me as they all starts walking.
"We're always ready when it comes to these kind of events, Dad," Brother Dae replied. Even I is already prepared.
"Yup! I prepared myself very well ~" I added and giggled. Dad chuckled, giving me a light pat on the head. He can't ruffle it because he might ruin my hair that the servants worked so hard to accomplish.
"I'm glad to hear that, my dear princess. Alright, then...let's go," Dad spoke, walking towards the small stage built for us to take. He's walking ahead of us, with Brother Heli stands on his right side. He's not lining up with dad though, just a bit close to him.
The three of us, Brother Dae, Brother Aeli, and I followed the two of them.
The chants are getting louder and louder that it makes my ears a bit ringing now, but I stayed smiling.
My brothers told me that it's fine not to keep smiling in front of a lot of people, I still want to show them that I genuinely like to meet them all. Oh, and Brother Dae said that if someone mocks me for not smiling in front of the crowd, he'll smash their heads on the ground...that's why I want to keep smiling, because Brother Dae is dangerous.
When we reached the stage, Dad gestured his right hand to ask the crowd to keep their voice down, and everyone obeyed his order. Dad nod his head as he thank them for staying quiet before he spoke.
"Greetings to all of my people. I am most delighted that a lot of you are looking forward to celebrate my daughter's seventh birthday. I promise my First Princess that this festival will be enjoyable and peaceful, so...I hope everyone knows what they must and must not do," S-seriously? Is he actually threatening his people?
"Hmph, what I mean is that everyone should enjoy this peaceful festival as well. There's no need to worry about anything because my sons and I are here," Okay, that was a good recovery. But it seems like some people here don't believe that for real. Well, if they don't plan to do anything that can harm anyone here, there's no need to worry about being the center of attention of my family, right?
"How about you, Ali? What do you want to say?" Dad asked, placing his hands on my waist and carries me within his arms.
"Uhmm, greetings! Thank you all for attending this festival to celebrate my birthday with me! I hope everyone enjoys this day because I want everyone to feel happy!" I raised both my arms and that caused the crowd to yell, scream, and chant for my name. I smiled widely and face my Dad, he smiled gently at me and kissed my cheeks.
"It looks like Ali already made them happy with that speech," Brother Dae spoke, smiling at me. I giggled and wrapped my arms around Dad's shoulders.
"I'm also happy! And I'm excited for the food!" I replied happily, raising my arms up. Dad chuckled and pinched my cheeks.
"Let's go then. Where do you want to go first? Do you want to visit the Statue of the Odilia's First Duchess?" My eyes widened as I gasp. I've only been hearing about the Statue of the Odilia's First Duchess, but now I can see it?
"That reaction shows a 'yes'," Brother Heli spoke, poking my cheek. I giggled and nod my head repeatedly.
---
I stared at the statue in front of me as I feel strange feelings rushing within me. What's this? Staring at this statue gives me the feeling of calmness and...nostalgia? As if I've seen it before even though this is my first time seeing it. My heart's beating so fast and I feel so sad as well. What's with me...?
"Ali? Are you alright?" Brother Heli asked. I quickly formed a smile and nod my head at him. All of them are looking at me with concern, they must've noticed my expression while staring at the statue.
The statue of the First Duchess of Odilia looks really beautiful. She's standing straight but her legs are a bit crossed with each other, she's also tip-toe-ing. She had her eyes closed and her hands are clasped together as if she's praying. Her clothes is similar to that of a saintess. Her hair is wavy and it's length is similar to Mr. Holiness, which made it looks puffy. She's also wearing a necklace, and the pendant of it is a ring.
She looks really beautiful.
"Was the First Duchess also a saintess?" I asked. Because I never read in the book that she became a saintess.
"She wasn't," Huh? Was that Asher's voice?
I roamed my eyes around but he's not here? My family looks at me.
"What is it, Ali?" Brother Dae asked. I shook my head and smiled at him.
"It's nothing, Brother Dae! Ahh! That shop," I turned my head to the shop just behind me. It's outisde appearance has a pink surroundings. The name of the shop is "Choco Pink". Choco Pink?
"Already thinking about desserts, Ali? Shouldn't we eat lunch first?" Brother Aeli asked. I giggled and nod my head at him.
"We shall!" I spoke. We were about to leave th statue but suddenly, I heard something.
"I want to be a normal human,"
I stopped and look back to the statue.
That voice. It sounded so soft and gentle, but also sounded hurt and sad.
Whose voice was that?
"Ali?" Dad called. I looked at them.
Did they not hear anything?
"Hmm, Dad, you didn't hear anything?" I asked. The four of them creased their forehead as they stare at me.
"I did not heard anything," Brother Dae answered.
"I as well," Brother Aeli added. Brother Heli nod his head while Dad just stayed quiet while looking at me.
"Ohh...maybe I was hearing things," I forced a laugh.
"Then, where are we going to eat?" I asked cheerfully again. Dad stared at me for a while before he smiled softly.
"Have you heard of Uni Restaurant, Ali?" Brother Aeli asked. That restaurant is famous for their delicious menus and is always mentioned in the novel. Of course I've been there--with Asher. That guy always go along with whatever ideas I have in mind, so when I asked him if we can go to Uni Restaurant, he was annoyed but agreed anyways.
"I heard of it! But I haven't been there yet..." I replied. Of course I have to lie! If I told them that Asher sneaked out with me, who knows what my brothers would think about it, right?
"Don't worry, Ali. We're heading there right now,"
Another food ~ I wonder what food I should eat? I'm excited! I'm going to try new ones!
"Help..."
I creased my forehead and look at the statue again. What was that? It's coming from the statue...? Eh?
"Ali? Are you alright?" Brother Dae asked. I turned to him and nod my head as I smile. They didn't hear it? Hmm, was I imagining things?
"I'm alright, brother!" I giggled and started walking with them.
I wonder what that is? The voice sounds so familiar but I'm sure I haven't heard it before...
Hmm, maybe I should ask Asher about it later.
***
"Waaah! It's so delicious!" I reacted right after taking a spoonful of cake on my mouth. This is so yummy! It's full of chocolate and I just love it so much!
"We're glad to see you enjoying your cupcake, Ali," brother Aeli spoke, smiling at me. I giggled and nod my head repeatedly. Who wouldn't enjoy this chocolate cupcake? I love chocolate cupcake!
"This is so yummy!" Although the taste is not that different from the other chocolate cupcakes I've tasted, it's still delicious!
"You really love chocolate cupcake, huh? Should we kidnap the baker here and bring it to the palace?" I almost choke!
I continuously shook my head while waving my hands to Brother Dae. What in the Lumia is he talking about? Kidnap? You can say 'hire', my dear brother!
"No, Brother Dae. It's fine, plus we already have a baker in our home," I said, smiling at him forcedly. Oh my goodness, I hope no one heard that.
"I was kidding, Ali," he chuckled, and that made me sigh in relief. Goodness gracious, this guy has changed a lot but haven't changed at all.
"By the way, Father. There is something you wish to tell our princess, I remember?" I glnced at Brother Heli and turned to Dad. Something he wants to tell me? I wonder what is it? Another present? But they've already given me a lot of present.
Ah, come to think of it, I haven't asked Asher abosut the Holy Flower yet.
"That's right. Ali, I wonder if you can share your thoughts about the Knights Competition? We haven't decided yet about the challenges to give them," Woah--he's asking me to share my ideas? Heh?
"Yes, yes!" I answered right away. I think this will be fun.
"Are you sure? We're going to ask you for some advise about the challenges," Dad looks at me, he's smiling but I can tell that he's trying to challenge me. Is my dad serious? I'm only seven. But, well...this is actually interesting!
"Ooohh! That sounds fun, Daddy!" I replied, it made Dad chuckle as he pat my head.
"Alright then, I should tell the other nobles that my princess agreed," Wait, did the nobles actually suggested this?
"Is it alright, Dad?" Brother Dae asked. He looks serious...
Dad smirked at him.
"Of course. Also, if they try to go against my daughter, I'll consider it as treason," What?!
No, don't!
"Daddy, please don't," I said, forcing a laugh.
My Dad just turned to me and smiled. That smile looks a bit strange...
I hope he wasn't serious about that.
***